...It is not always that one can trace back everything around them to one moment. How could I have known that my actions totaling ten or fifteen seconds at most could affect the next two years and quite possibly the rest of my life? I had not yet developed the ability to think that far ahead. I have always had a rather poor memory, so it surprises me that I am able to account for every detail, down to how I felt as I typed out that short paragraph on a small netbook. It was a mixed feeling of frustration and slight anger, but this did not translate into the dialogue box. Instead, I wrote in a mocking tone, but without profanity. The message was meant for those in charge of the technology within our school. I had previously tried to gain the attention of the administrators regarding...
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...As the agent shoved me and my sister in the truck I shed a single tear down my face. I didn't know where I was going. I look through the truck window and see my parents crying. We weren't the only kids in the truck there were 6 other kids crying sitting in the corner. After the truck suddenly stops and they drag us out. They took us into a building where there are a lot of other kids that look confused and worried. Everyone's hair was cut short and dressed in the same clothing. I was standing in a long line I didn't know what the line was for but when it was my turn they made me sit down and cut all my hair off. They then forced me to wear clothes that were really uncomfortable and tight. I couldn’t find my sister I got pushed away in the crowd...
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...trying to squeeze out an idea of what to write. Regardless of the headache writing can sometimes be, I am absolutely in love with it. I was not always in love with writing. I was capable of getting assignments like essays, short stories, and poems completed, but not necessarily enjoying the process it took to get there. Everything changed when I took a writing workshop as an elective class in high school. In all honesty, I took the class because I felt as though I was a good enough writer to do well and not have much to worry about. I realized something important in that class, that “good enough” would not be good enough for me anymore. I can remember the exact moment I fell in love with the process of writing. I had an assignment to write a short story, which seemed easy enough. I wrote a quick rough draft about the importance of not drinking and driving. My writing process had always been to write a rough draft that was not very well thought out, to edit a small amount and not much else. I found myself spending more time on that story than I had ever spent on any other piece of writing. I kept editing and changing things until the end result only held a small resemblance to the original rough draft. I just did not feel as though I could stop until the story was exactly how I wanted it to be, and at some point I started enjoying myself. I was incredibly proud of my finished product because I knew that I did my absolute best. That is...
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...The Writing Process Whether you know it or not, there’s a process to writing – which many writers follow naturally. If you’re just getting started as a writer, though, or if you always find it a struggle to produce an essay, short story or blog, following the writing process will help. I’m going to explain what each stage of the writing process involves, and I’ll offer some tips for each section that will help out if you’re still feeling stuck! 1. Prewriting Have you ever sat staring at a blank piece of paper or a blank document on your computer screen? You might have skipped the vital first stage of the writing process: prewriting. This covers everything you do before starting your rough draft. As a minimum, prewriting means coming up with an idea! Ideas and Inspiration Ideas are all around you. If you want to write but you don’t have any ideas, try: * Using a writing prompt to get you started. * Writing about incidents from your daily life, or childhood. * Keeping a notebook of ideas – jotting down those thoughts that occur throughout the day. * Creating a vivid character, and then writing about him/her. See also How to Generate Hundreds of Writing Ideas. Tip: Once you have an idea, you need to expand on it. Don’t make the mistake of jumping straight into your writing – you’ll end up with a badly structured piece. Building on Your Idea These are a couple of popular methods you can use to add flesh to the bones of your idea: * Free writing: Open...
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...doodys@campbell.edu OR lovetoteach48@yahoo.com COURSE REQUIREMENTS Course Description: A course designed to enhance reading, writing, research, and critical thinking skills directed toward literary analysis. Prerequisite: English 101. Required Texts: • Backpack Literature: An Intro to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing, X.J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia, eds., 4th ed. • Aaron, Jane E. LB Brief. 4th ed., Boston: Longman, 2010. Learning Outcomes: Goals: English 102 is designed to “enhance writing, research, and reading skills directed toward literary analysis.” Therefore, the student will learn to read carefully and critically by analyzing the elements of literature—plot, theme, characterization, etc. through class discussion, short papers and research. Since analysis is key to this course, class participation is imperative. Expectations of Students: Students are expected to participate in all phases of the class, including discussions, both in class and on the Bd discussion board. Required readings must be completed before class. Homework and other assignments are due on the dates noted in the "Assignments" of Blackboard. Specific pages and due dates will be posted there. All students are subject to the academic integrity and behavioral expectations of the University. Formatting Requirements: All papers are to be written in MLA format using Microsoft Word. Grading Criteria: Submission of all graded items is required to pass the course. Grades and...
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... conventions, and icons. To gain knowledge of international cinema. To study the works of prominent filmmakers and their cinematic impact. To provide a critical methodology and practical application to facilitate a greater critical understanding and appreciation of all aspects of film. To gain experience in writing critical academic essays in relation to film analysis. Students should gain a solid foundational knowledge and understanding of different film genres, forms, and techniques of film making and be able to analyze and communicate how those concepts are used in films to 1) tell a story effectively, 2) communicate meaning in a visual medium, and 3) persuade audiences towards different or particular ways of feeling about or seeing themselves and the world. As a result of taking this course, I hope that students will 1) understand how films create and communicate meaning 2) seek out and enjoy watching a greater variety of films, and 3) have an increased desire or capacity to make intelligent and entertaining films of...
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...assignment, you are to · select a topic that is somewhat global in nature and inspired from your reading Dr. Seuss · using one of the Dr. Seuss stories, analyze the plot of the story to identify and explain the subtext of the story—the author’s theme or underlying lesson about something more than the literal story · research some helpful background information that the author Dr. Seuss may have known or used to develop the story—many articles have been written · develop a reasonable thesis statement that will make a claim about the stance that is taken by Dr. Seuss—is he right or wrong? · think about what will you use to support both sides. Parts of the story along with researched information are to be included. · complete your research and document all of your sources cited (used in the essay) · make use of the rhetorical triangle: ethos, logos, and pathos · avoid logical fallacies Objectives: · use invention techniques such as brainstorming, listing, cubing, reporters’ questions, free-writing, and clustering. · organize ideas and supporting details in a clear and effective manner. · express the main idea of an essay in a thesis statement. · develop effective paragraphs that exhibit unity, organization, and coherence. · write correct and effective sentences. · revise and edit essays to improve the original draft. · gather information from a variety of sources, incorporate the information into a writing project, and properly document the sources in...
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...Rough Draft In the three short stories, “The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe, “Prey” by Richard Matheson, and “The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving, all partake in the use of grotesqueness and violence. All of the Gothic Elements in the short stories relate back to the story’s main idea or purpose of the story. Also it highlights the theme the author is attempting to intertwine with the story to the reader. To start off, in “The Black Cat”, Poe implements an abundant amount of violence, he- “..slowly slipped the noose about its neck and hung it to the limb of a tree...”(Poe 2). The vicious imagination of the cat being hung directly affects the reader with a sinister feeling, contrary to the plot getting more and more vivid. In addition to that, in “The Devil and Tom Walker”, Irving displays violence throughout the story as Tom, “Found nothing...
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...their works. Keep your preferred topic in mind as you gather your sources. It will help you decide on what source material you should keep and what source material you should discard. All your source material should help you formulate your argument. The Sources Your sources must be legitimate and academic. I expect you to use a variety of the sources available in the library including books, online databases, magazines, journal articles, etc…. You may not use generic internet sources (e.g., Poemhunter.com, Wikipedia, Spark Notes, Pink Monkey, etc…). You may use information gathered from books.google.com or scholar.google.com. Source Requirements: • A minimum of 4 original works by your chosen author- these will be poems, or short stories, or plays, etc… • A minimum of 3 criticisms that provide relevant information about your author and topic. • A minimum of 1 biographical source. Make sure you have detailed information about your poems and authors, including textual examples, line numbers, and source information need to complete the works cited. Paper Format The paper will follow all applicable MLA format requirements, include a works cited page, and be a minimum of six paragraphs in length. These requirements are non-negotiable and their omission will severely impact your final grade. The Final Product Your final research project should be in a 1-1.5 ring binder. The binder should include (in order): 1. A creative cover page with the title of your...
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...each other again and they leave the mammoth hunters. Another adventure begins. Biography: Jean Marie Untinen was born February 18, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois. She is the second of five children. Her father was a housepainter. After high school she married Ray Bernard Auel and raised five children of her own. In 1964 she became a member of Mensa. She earned her masters degree in 1976 - attending night school while working for a Portland electronics firm. At that time she quit her job in order to find 'more suitable work'. Three months later she still hadn't found a new job that suited her. About that time she got an idea for a short story about a prehistoric girl. According to Jean, "The 'short story' led me to do some research; the research fired my imagination, and the wealth of material made me decide to write a novel. The first draft...
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...December 29, 2015 Entry 1: ME, A WRITER? Attitude: After reading chapters 1 and 2, I realize how important each strategy in this course will be to my learning objectives. I was able manage my time more effectively by using organization skills, keeping track of deadlines and taking important notes, this course has thought me how to avoid procrastination, and I was excited to see how well I understood and manage my coursework proficiently. I integrated new idea that will help me to become a better writer and will also be useful in my other courses. I had a great learning experience and with this opportunity I will be able to implement creative strategies for learning. After taking this course I now have a clear understanding of how beneficial it is to read and comprehend the information as well as how to become an effective writer. As a result, I believe that the concepts theories, and practical examples provided in this course will help me to become a successful learner. I felt as sense of excitement as I complete my daily writing objectives, and to see how rewarding it has been as a writer. Inventory: After completing the learning style inventory, it gave me a clear understanding of the type of learner and writer I am. I realize that I accomplish more when I work alone as an independent learner and I believe my strategy of learning helps me to avoid unnecessary distractions. I’m able to figure out the information that’s been illustrated which will allow...
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...Short story essay Forever free Rough draft How many times could anybody possibly hear in a lifetime the phrase that love gives wings and teaches to fly? Yet, often this phrase is misleading; love may be great, but it also may imprison a person and break the spirit. “ A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” (Psalms proverbs). Love, especially in marriage, does not often last forever even though this institution may insist that it does. In her short story “The Story of an Hour,” Kate Chopin expresses the feelings of a woman in a marriage in the 19th century and the vacillations of thought and feeling that a marriage brought a particular woman, Mrs. Mallard, at that time. Through plot, character and irony the author demonstrates that Mrs. Mallard is not the ideally happily married women, of her time or any other time. Mrs. Mallard wishes freedom of thought and expression and this is not available to a woman in her married position. The story begins with the announcement of the death of Mr. Mallard. After she hears of his death, his wife goes upstairs alone to her room to grieve. Yet she does not grieve; instead, she feels relief. A woman in her position has been married her whole life and has gone from father’s possession to husband’s possession. “She said it over and over under her breath: ‘free, free, free!’” (197). She understands that this is not what she is supposed to feel, yet she cannot help but feel it at the bottom of...
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...Mudshark Book Report (Rough Draft) In this essay, I would like to talk about the story of Mudshark writing by Gary Paulsen. In this book there will introduce about the natural life about Mudshark, he loved to play dead ball. He got a nick name by amazing tackle during a game. He will a dictator finding a lost easier. He also ingenious at fixes a mystery. That's why he has a great memory and sense of observation. The best character is Mudshark. In the begging of the story, happened at Mudshark elementary school. The first thing his name is Lyle Williams. When his playing dead ball a kind of rugby and mud fighting and when he play he run so fast he like a mudshark. At night, he doing a homework he hear the whisper and he begin to follow and he stop off there sister and he asks her, at the moment he hear the sister mind that what did she think. The story continues, when he growth he was the ingenious boy. One day his friend was losing his homework and mud shark help to find it....
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...accomplished by examining the literary devices, word choices, or writing structures the author uses within the work. The purpose of a literary analysis is to demonstrate why the author used specific ideas, word choices, or writing structures to convey his or her message. How to Create a Literary Analysis: 1. Read the text closely several times. Focus on the ideas that are being presented. Think about the characters’ development and the author’s writing technique. What might be considered interesting, unusual, or important? 2. Brainstorm a list of potential topics. Highlight important passages in the text and take notes on these passages. Later, when writing the paper, these notes should help a writer to remember which aspects of the story caught his/her attention. The topic chosen should always be based on a writer’s interpretation of the author’s message. Here are some things a writer may want to consider when brainstorming for a literary analysis. Character: What observations might a writer make about the characters? Are there discrepancies in what they think, say, or do? Are the observations a writer makes different from what other characters say? How does the author describe the characters? Are the characters “dynamic” (a dynamic character is a character that undergoes important changes throughout the work)? Are the characters “static” characters (a static character is a character that stays the same throughout the work)? Are the characters “flat” characters (a...
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...by brainstorming and outlining; it is the first and most important step in writing for me. Brainstorming and outlining helps me to sort out my ideas and to actually begin to organize my thoughts and the writing process, it during this time that my paper actually begins to take (which makes the actual writing easier). I think that I am a methodical writer, and the brainstorming is a part of my method of writing. Another process for me that never changes is that I am a very hands-on writer, so much so that all of my papers and rough drafts begin the old fashioned way on pen and paper. I prefer to use a pen and I usually write a little fast, and sloppy. Beginning my papers on paper allows me to write freely and I always skip lines between my sentences and paragraphs so that I have space to make any changes or add any new sentences when I reread and edit. In fact, I am so old school that I never type my papers until I am ready to start the final draft of my paper. I believe that using pen and paper allows me to visualize my writing better and to formulate new ideas. This method also makes proofreading and catching any spelling and grammatical errors easy. When it comes to writing I like to start early and not procrastinate, because I am always a little afraid of missing deadlines or not being able to write at the last minute due to writer’s block. For me writing is not naturally easy but if I work at it, I feel that I can write about any subject, it just takes time and...
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